MoIAT signs MoU with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology

The MoU was signed on MoIAT’s pavilion in the Green Zone of COP28 by Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, and Le Xuan Dinh, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology. The signing was attended by Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at MoIAT, alongside officials from both countries.

Under the MoU, MoIAT will provide technical expertise to the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam’s (STAMEQ) Halal Certification Agency through the UAE Halal System.

The initiative is aimed at meeting the UAE’s requirements on entities issuing Halal certificates and contributes to enhancing trade between the two countries.

Al Suwaidi said, “The ministry, in line with UAE government directives, focuses on enhancing its national quality infrastructure capabilities as part of its strategic objectives. The system encompasses key pillars such as standards, accreditation, and conformity. These elements play a crucial role in facilitating trade and supporting the needs of partners, including manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers.”

He referred to the UAE’s ranking in the 2022 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index report issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). It is ranked first in the MENA region and 11th globally, ahead of countries including Portugal, Singapore, Finland, Denmark, and Belgium.

Al Suwaidi added, “In line with the UAE's commitment to achieving sustainable economic development, the ministry is keen on strengthening collaboration with relevant authorities globally across all fields related to quality infrastructure.

MoIAT works towards harmonising standards through partnerships with these entities to boost trade, which enhances the competitiveness of national products, expands access to markets and supports the growth of Halal products.”

Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Science commented, “We are delighted that the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Dubai.